Lions Cricket: A proud Pride presented for the 2026/2027 Season

Relentless in their pursuit of excellence, pushing boundaries and rewriting the record books, the back-to-back Sports Organisation of the Year, #ThePrideOfJozi, has emerged even more driven ahead of the 2026/2027 season. With a renewed sense of purpose, the DP World Lions Cricket professional squads remain almost unchanged as they aim to maintain premier position for domestic dominance.

The DP World Lions Men’s team once again stamped their authority on the domestic stage, securing a third consecutive CSA 4-Day Series title. They also showcased their consistency in the shorter format, finishing top of the log and securing a home 1-Day Cup Final, where they narrowly missed out in a thrilling contest decided in the final over. Equally as excellent were the DP World Lions Ladies, finishing top of the log in both the Pro50 and Pro20 Tournaments and competing in the Finals of both competitions.

The exceptional 25/26 season is evident in the fact that both the DP World Lions Men’s and Women’s teams collectively competed in five competitions, finishing top of the log in four of those five.

The strength of the Lions system is reflected in an unprecedented eleven nationally contracted players choosing to remain with the Pride. The men’s contingent features Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder and Kwena Maphaka. On the women’s side, Ayabonga Khaka, Tumi Sekhukhune, Sinalo Jafta, Chloe Tryon and Tazmin Brits continue to bring world-class quality, alongside the dynamic and rising star Karabo Meso.

Further bolstering the squads is the invaluable experience of Shabnim Ismail remaining in the women’s setup and Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock strengthening the men’s ranks. New signing 25-year-old Gerald Coetzee is fully fit, ready to roar and chomping at the bit for the season to commence.

Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright highlighted the depth of talent within the organisation, emphasising that the key not only lies in the depth of development, but in each players fluid and regular exposure to the professional coaching and management set up.

“We have an incredibly strong group of players across both our men’s and women’s structures. With continuity in our players, management and leadership, our environment remains stable and aligned with our standards of excellence, which has created the ideal platform for emerging players to transition into the professional space when ready or required. Our High-Performance programme; Colts; Hubs; Telkom Talent Acceleration Programme, clubs, schools and universities continue to produce exceptional talent that will be fostered. Combined with strong governance, committed partners and passionate stakeholders, we are confident in our ability to grow the game, succeed on the field and develop outstanding individuals both inside and outside the boundary ropes.”

The men’s team management boasts a wealth of experience, including Russell Domingo, Jimmy Kgamadi, Hashim Amla, Allan Donald, Prasanna Agoram, Nandile Tyali, Ziyaad Mahomed, Dr Dhavina Naidoo, Lloyd Bemelman, Garnett Kruger and Amit Bhoola.

The women’s management team is equally formidable, led by Sandile Masengemi, and backed up by Trisha Chetty, Nono Pongolo, Noluthando Mlahleki, Julia de Kock, Dr Dhavina Naidoo, Siyanda Zulu, Garnett Kruger and Lloyd Bemelman.

Adding further expertise is the High-Performance Strategic Coaching Consultant, Adrian Birrell and legendary fielder Jonty Rhodes, who contributes as a High-Performance Fielding Consultant. Both Birrell and Rhodes assist across both professional teams and the development pipeline.

As the 2026/27 season approaches, there is a clear sense of intent throughout the Lions Cricket camp. Players and management are fully engaged in preparation - refining theirskills, sharpening their focus and setting the stage for another standout campaign. Re-energised, refocused and unwavering, the Lions Cricket Pride stands ready to deliver - every match, every moment, every day.

DP World Lions Men’s Squad

Bjorn Fortuin; Reeza Hendricks; Rassie vd Dussen; Dominic Hendricks; Lutho Sipamla; Mitchell Van Buuren; Codi Yusuf; Delano Potgieter; Connor Esterhuizen; Zubayr Hamza; Nqaba Peter; Richard Seletswane; Wandile Makwetu; Siyabulela Plaatjie; Tiaan Brits; Gerald Coetzee; Quinton De Kock; Temba Bavuma; Kagiso Rabada; Wiaan Mulder; Kwena Maphaka and Ryan Rickelton.

DP World Lions Women’s Squad

Raisibe Ntozakhe; Kgomotso Rapoo; Madison Landsman; Jenna Evans; Lehlohonolo Meso; Refilwe Moncho; Sarah Nettleton; Relebohile Mkhize; Nonkululeko Thabethe; Sunette Viljoen-Louw; Fay Cowling; Diara Ramlakan; Razeena Manack; Liyema Jubati; Neo Molefe; Leani Swanepoel; Thuto Thibedi; LethaboBidli; Keamogetswe Chuene; Shabnim Ismail; Ayabonga Khaka; Tumi Sekhukhune; Sinalo Jafta; Tazmin Brits; Chloe Tryon and Karabo Meso.